FELINE VMA NEWSLETTERS

FLYER ABOUT YOUR CAT'S NEEDS;

Cats are highly intelligent, naturally curious, and active animals  whom we have chosen to take into our homes as companion animals. Many  cats who live only indoors may not have all their needs met, but we have  some tips to help your cat feel happy and secure in your home  environment.

To help understand your cat’s essential needs, think about what you  need when you move to a new house or apartment. What do you do to feel  comfortable and make this new place your home? Typically, we clean,  stock the bathroom and kitchen, make up our bed with our own sheets and  pillows, and decorate with curtains, pictures, and personal items.

Your cat’s needs are similar, and you want to make sure you have a  place or environment that makes your cat feel comfortable and secure.  Below are the five pillars of a healthy feline environment.

Pillar 1 – Safe Place – Every cat needs a safe and  secure place where they can retreat to and feel protected, or that can  be used as a resting area. Your cat should be able to enter and exit  from this space from at least two sides if they feels threatened. Most  cats prefer the safe space to be big enough to only fit themselves, have  sides around it, and be raised off the ground.

Pillar 2 – Multiple and Separated Key Resources –  Key resources for each cat in your household include food, water,  toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas, and resting or sleeping  areas. Each of these resources or areas should be separated from the  other so every cat has free access without being challenged by other  cats or other potential threats.

Pillar 3 – Opportunity for Play and Predatory Behavior – Play and predatory behaviors allow cats to fulfill their natural need  to hunt. Play can be motivated with the use of interactive toys that  mimic prey. Cats need to be able to capture the “prey”, at least  occasionally, to prevent frustration. Using food puzzles or food balls  can mimic the action of hunting for prey, and provides more natural  eating behavior.  

Pillar 4 – Positive, Consistent, and Predictable Human–cat Social Interaction – Each cat has individual preferences which will determine how much  they like human interactions such as petting, grooming, being played  with or talked to, being picked up, and sitting or lying on a person’s  lap.

Pillar 5 – An Environment that Respects the Cat’s Sense of Smell and Other Senses – Unlike humans, cats use their sense of smell to evaluate their  surroundings. Cats mark their scent by rubbing their face and body,  which leaves natural pheromones to establish boundaries within which  they feel safe and secure. Avoid cleaning their scent off these areas.  Some smells can be threatening to cats (i.e., unfamiliar animals, or  scented products or cleaners) which may lead to problematic behaviors  such as urinating outside of the litter box or scratching in undesirable  areas.

For more information, please read the brochure Your Cat’s Environmental Needs.

Food – Provide your cat with predictable  meal times. If you have multiple cats, make sure you have individual  food bowls for each cat in your household.

Water – Cats need clean, fresh water. Use a location that is appealing to your cat.

Toilet – Provide a convenient, clean, and private litter box for  your kitty, and be sure to scoop it at least once daily. As a general  rule of thumb, the number of litter boxes should be one more than the  number of cats in your household. Many cats prefer a larger litter box  that is one and a half times the length of their body, and at least one  and a half inches deep.

Safe Place to Sleep – Soft bedding, along  with familiar smells and sounds, provides security for your cat. Some  cats also like to be provided with soft, cozy places to hide.

Familiar Territory and Elevated Spaces – Face-rubbing  and scratching surfaces leaves your cat’s scent and marks the territory  with a personal touch. Be sure to supply plenty of scratching posts to  encourage appropriate scratching. Access to an elevated area increases the cat’s vertical space and allows him/her to monitor their environment.

Meeting your cat’s environmental needs can help to avoid stressors  that could initiate unwanted behavioral or medical consequences.

Learn more about the basic supplies you will need for your cat to feel secure.

Each cat in your household needs a complete set of the resources  listed above. There can be some overlap, but sharing requires that you  have an accurate assessment of each cat’s relationship with the other  cats in your household. These resources should be located in a  low-traffic area, which is free of excess noise (i.e., not near a noisy  laundry area) and has at least two ways where your cat can enter or  leave. This allows your cat to flee or escape if they feel threatened or  stressed. Cats also need to be provided with the opportunity to play in  order to allow them to fulfill their natural need to hunt and stalk, as  well as provide mental and physical stimulation.

FLYER-RECOGNIZING SIGNS/SYMPTOMS

Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness and discomfort,  as they don’t want to appear vulnerable to their enemies. This can make  it difficult for you to recognize when they are sick or in pain. As  caregivers, you are more likely to notice subtle changes in your cat’s  habits and behaviors. To help you notice the changes, you need to know  what is “normal” for your specific cat(s). 

 We suggest you start by writing down your cat’s daily routine. This  will help you quickly identify when something has changed. Include  general details (time of day, location, etc.) of their daily routine.  Having these specifics will help you notice early signs that  something may be wrong. 

 When you notice changes in your cat’s normal routines — even small  changes — write it down. Then call your veterinarian, share your  observations, and discuss the changes you’ve noticed. Your veterinarian  is trained to evaluate these subtle behaviors and physical health  changes. 

• Eating Habits – Write down the typical amount of food your  cat eats in a 24‑hour period. Make sure to measure out portions of food  and keep track of any treats or snacks given.
• Drinking Habits – Know where and from what type of  container your cat likes to drink (e.g., bowl, fountain, glass on the  counter). A good indicator of “normal” water consumption is consistent  urine volume.
• Urination – Write down how often and how much urine your  cat produces daily. An average adult cat produces 2–3 handful‑sized  clumps of litter per day. For households with more than one cat and more  than one litter box, you can still know the total amount of urine  produced each day. Then just divide this total amount by the number of  cats and it should be close to the average. Cats are creatures of habit,  so if you stay observant you can have a pretty good idea of which cat  is urinating in which area of each box.
• Defecation – Know how often and how much your cat poops  each day – write down color, shape, and consistency. An average stool is  a formed, brown stool about the size of an old‑fashioned Tootsie Roll  candy bar.
• Sleeping and Napping Patterns – Write down where your cat  spends their time, on average how long they rest, and the general time  of day they prefer to sleep. A change in resting location or pattern can  be an early indication of a problem.
• Action and Interaction – Know and write down your cat’s  typical daily activity. Do they greet you at the door, wake you in the  morning, follow you around the house, or play during certain times? Are  the throw rugs rumpled and out of place when you get home?
• Temperament – Your cat’s basic approach to life remains  pretty consistent. It is important to know whether your cat prefers to  “flee where angels fear to tread,” “go along to get along,” or “take  charge.”

Once you have a written account of what is normal for your cat,  please alert your veterinarian right away if you notice changes in your  cat’s routine. There could be a medical issue that needs to be tended to  immediately. For more details on recognizing and recording feline  habits, visit Cat Friendly Homes to learn more.

 Feline hypertension, or high blood pressure in cats, is a condition in  which a cat’s blood pressure is elevated above normal, safe levels.  Middle-aged and senior cats are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure as they age. 

 There are a number of diseases that can cause high blood pressure in cats, including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and heart disease, as well as some uncommon diseases and medications. There is also a term called idiopathic hypertension,  which is used to describe cases when they have not been able to find an  underlying cause to the cat’s high blood pressure. Additionally, some  cats, like humans, will experience temporary elevations in blood  pressure when they are stressed, but their blood pressure is normal the  rest of the time. These cats are said to have situational hypertension. 

 Since high blood pressure often has no visible signs or symptoms, it  can go unnoticed—which is dangerous for your cat’s health and wellbeing.  Below are some common signs of high blood pressure in cats. 

• Trouble breathing
• Unexplained changes in behavior
• Increased drinking
• Evidence of blindness (e.g., bumping into furniture, missing jumps)

 Some cats will not show any signs, so routine checkups are critical.  Having your cat’s blood pressure checked as part of their routine  wellness checkup will establish your cat’s baseline blood pressure,  monitor trends, and detect high blood pressure even if your cat is not  showing any signs. 

 Blood pressure is determined using equipment that measures the sound  of blood flow through the blood vessels (Doppler) or the motion of the  blood through the blood vessels (Oscillometry). Blood pressure is  measured in cats similarly to how it is in humans. However, smaller  blood pressure cuffs are used and the cuff is placed on the cat’s limb  or tail. The cuff is then inflated and deflated. 

 There are effective treatments for controlling high blood pressure in  cats. You may need to give your cat medication one to two times each day  to regulate their blood pressure. Your veterinarian will want to  recheck your cat shortly after starting medication to ensure the right  dose is being used. Your cat will most likely need to be given daily  medication for the rest of his life. Once your cat’s blood pressure is  under control, your veterinarian will recommend checking their blood  pressure every three to six months to make sure it stays stable. The Cat  Friendly Homes’ Giving Your Cat Medication webpage has tips for administering oral medications with links to videos  demonstrating how to give a cat medication in both pill and liquid form.  Be sure to schedule all follow-up visits your veterinarian recommends. 

 All senior cats should be screened every six months during their  regular checkups for increases in their blood pressure. It is  recommended to check all cats’ blood pressure during their checkups to  help them become comfortable having a cuff inflated on their limbs or  tail. If your cat is on medication for high blood pressure, your  veterinarian will recommend testing their blood pressure every three to  six months. Blood pressure readings should be taken by your veterinarian  using validated equipment. Commercial monitors intended for human or  cat at-home-use are not considered reliable and should not be used. 

While lilies are beautiful plants that brighten your home, they are highly toxic to your cat. All parts of the lily plant are poisonous to your cat –  the petals, the leaves, the stem, and even the pollen. Even if your cat  only eats one or two leaves, or ingests a small amount of pollen while  grooming their fur, they can suffer severe kidney failure.

Several types of lilies are toxic to cats, including tiger lilies,  daylilies, and Asiatic lilies. Since these lily types are popular,  please be aware that they may be found in many gardens and yards and can  cause severe acute kidney failure in cats. Lilies are also commonly  included in floral bouquets that you may purchase or receive from  florist shops. So, it is important to check for these types of lilies  before you bring them into your home. Other types of lilies, such as the  Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies, are usually not a problem for cats;  however, they may cause minor drooling if your cat ingests them.

In most situations, symptoms of poisoning develop within 6-12 hours of exposure. Early symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness or lethargy
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Racing or irregular pulse

Unfortunately, symptoms will worsen as kidney failure develops. Some cats experience:

• Disorientation
• Staggering
• Seizures

• If you see your cat licking or eating any part of a lily, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) immediately!
• Bring a sample of the lily with you to the veterinarian’s office.
• Tell the veterinary staff how much of the lily your cat ate.
• While there is no specific antidote to counteract lily poisoning,  the sooner you get your cat to the veterinarian, the sooner treatment  for kidney damage can be started.

Heartworm is a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes. When an  infected mosquito bites a cat, microscopic heartworm larvae enter  through the bite wound and settle into your cat’s tissues. The immature  worms travel to the lung’s arteries, causing an inflammatory reaction.  In cats, most heartworms end up dying at this stage which causes even  more inflammation. Adult heartworms that do survive can remain  undetected for a couple of years. When the adult worms die, inflammation  can be severe enough to cause death.

Yes! Feline heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 US states, so cats are at risk. It is so important for all cats to  receive heartworm prevention. One in four cases of heartworm occurs in  cats that live indoors. We all know that mosquitoes can get inside your  home and other spaces, so indoor cats need protection, too. Even one  immature heartworm can permanently affect your cat’s health and ability  to breathe by causing an inflammatory reaction in the blood vessels and  lungs. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention  regardless of the time of year or the state/region you live in. Please  discuss prevention with your veterinarian at your cat’s annual  examination. The risk of kittens getting heartworm disease is equal to  that of adult cats.

Research has shown signs such as coughing and difficulty breathing,  which are often diagnosed as feline asthma or allergic bronchitis, can  be caused by the presence of heartworms in either larval or adult  stages. Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease, or HARD, is the term  for this condition. Signs of heartworm disease in cats may include:

• Sudden collapse
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting

You can prevent heartworm by consulting with your veterinarian and having year-round protection for your cat. Parasite prevention is vital in keeping your cat healthy.

There are no approved medications for treating heartworm in cats. If  your cat develops a heartworm infection, you and your veterinarian can  only manage, not treat your cat’s condition. For more information on  treatment guidelines visit the American Heartworm Society website.

Dental health is a cornerstone of your cat’s overall wellbeing, yet it’s often overlooked. It is estimated that at least 70% of cats over three years of age develop periodontal disease—a  preventable condition linked to plaque and tartar buildup. Left  unchecked, this disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and health issues.  The good news? A few consistent, proactive measures can protect your  cat’s teeth and prevent costly dental procedures. Here’s how to start  today:

Like with humans, brushing your cat’s teeth is the best way to  decrease plaque and tartar. Please make sure to introduce a tooth  brushing routine slowly and use lots of patience, positive  reinforcement, praise, and treats as needed. Also, cats respond to  routine, so be consistent with the time you brush their teeth every day.  Pick a time of day that is quiet and when your cat is usually  hungry-not first thing after you get home from work.  Remember to take your time and take a break if you feel you or your cat  becoming stressed. Keep this positive, and you will be surprised how  successful you can be! You can find more information here: catfriendly.com/how-to-brush-your-cats-teeth/

Here’s how to introduce toothbrushing in a way that’s comfortable for your cat:

• Gather Your Supplies 
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush for cats or finger toothbrush.
  • Veterinary toothpaste for cats. (Please note that human toothpaste can be toxic to cats!)
  • Soft gauze sponge or cloth.
  • If you are unsure where to find these supplies, please ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
• Begin by Gently Handling and Manipulating Your Cat’s Mouth 
  • If your cat is calm, start with affectionate touches and give them treats.
  • Begin to gently touch or manipulate your cat’s mouth. As long as  your cat is quiet, responds to requests, and allows you to manipulate  their mouth, provide IMMEDIATE rewards. If your cat resists at all, take  the treats away and stop for now. (You can try again later.)
  • Slowly advance from moving their lips with your fingers to running  your fingers along their teeth and gums. Once your cat is comfortable  with your fingers in their mouth, try to put a moist, soft gauze sponge  around your finger and move it along their teeth.
  • It will likely take several sessions to work up to this point. Give  rewards throughout and end the session if your cat resists. Try again  tomorrow.
• Add in Toothpaste 
  • Once your cat is comfortable with the sponge or cloth along her teeth, add a veterinary toothpaste or gel to the gauze sponge.
  • Keep up the praise and rewards! Make it fun!
• Introduce the Toothbrush 
  • Bring out the toothbrush. Touch it to your cat’s face, put it under  their lips, and gently work it around. Pick a toothbrush that is easy  for you to use.
  • If your cat likes the toothpaste, have them lick it off the toothbrush. Don’t forget to praise and reward with treats!
• Start Brushing 
  • Use a circular motion and focus on your cat’s gum line.
  • Initially concentrate on the outside surfaces of their teeth, under  their lips. Eventually, work your way up to all of your cat’s teeth.  Spend about 2-3 minutes brushing their entire mouth, ideally once a day.
  • Pair sessions with praise or a small treat to create positive associations.

Cats instinctively hide signs of pain, making veterinarian  examinations important. Annual exams allow your veterinarian to prevent  and detect early signs of dental disease, such as gum recession or tooth  resorption, and ensure their overall dental health. These visits should  include oral and radiographic examinations, which can reveal hidden  issues below the gumline. Early intervention can prevent irreversible  damage and keep your cat comfortable. For more information: catfriendly.com/veterinary-care/dental-examinations/

While brushing your cat’s teeth is the best thing you can do for your  cat’s oral health, dental products like diets, chews, treats, and water  additives may also provide some benefits.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)  is an organization that reviews voluntary product submissions and  associated scientific literature and awards the VOHC “Seal of  Acceptance” as appropriate. VOHC-approved dental treats or chews may  provide an additional layer of protection. While not a replacement for  brushing, these products can help reduce plaque and freshen breath.  Always consult your veterinarian before switching foods to ensure  nutritional balance.

Preventive care is a lifelong commitment. Cats thrive on routine, so integrate these  steps gradually and maintain a calm, patient approach. Celebrate small  milestones—like your cat tolerating a brief brushing session—and stay  consistent.
By prioritizing dental health now, you’re not only  preserving your cat’s teeth but also safeguarding their heart, liver,  and kidneys from inflammation linked to oral bacteria. Partner with your  veterinarian to tailor a plan that suits your cat’s unique needs, and  remember: proactive care today ensures a healthier, happier tomorrow.

As we enter the winter holiday season, please remember to take your  cat and their environment into account as you decorate, bring in holiday  trees and plants, and invite company over.

• Wrapping paper, ribbons, and bow – Please keep these items away from  your cat. While they might enjoy playing with these items, if they  accidentally ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous to your cat.
• Christmas trees and holiday plants 
  • The water in your tree stand is not safe for your cat to drink as  many trees have chemicals on them which can make your cat sick. Please  remember to restrict your cat’s access to the Christmas tree water to  prevent any accidents.
  • Keep the ornaments on your tree out of your cat’s reach to help  prevent them from swatting at them. You don’t want you cat to eat or  nibble them as they are not made of materials for your cat to ingest.
  • Many holiday plants like amaryllis lilies, paperwhites, and  mistletoe are poisonous to your cat. While poinsettias aren’t poisonous,  they can upset your cat’s stomach and may cause them to vomit.
• Candles – Try using flameless candles instead of candles with a live  flame. This way if your cat accidentally knocks over the candle, your  home is still safe.
• Holiday treats – Purchase a veterinarian-approved cat treat instead  of sharing some of your holiday food and risking an upset stomach for  your cat.
• Family and Friends – Prepare your cat for unfamiliar guests coming  into your home, by placing them in a separate room that has their litter  box, food, water, sleeping place, and toys. This way you can help  prevent your cat from becoming distressed by unfamiliar people and the  disruption to their routine.
• Travel – If you are traveling with your cat, please make sure you  have an appropriate carrier that is safely secured on the floor behind  the driver’s seat and that your cat is wearing proper identification  just in case you accidentally get separated.

Cats are unique and usually independent animals, so you want to  understand feline behaviors and your cat’s specific preferences. Here  are some tips to help you figure out the best way to show your cat how  much you love them while respecting them and their preferences.

• Be patient and let your cat come up to you. Many cats will nuzzle or rub up against you, making it clear they want an embrace or to be petted. They may brush their face against yours, for example.
• Keep an eye out for distress or that your cat is not liking the interaction. Your cat may tense up their body, the pupils of their eyes may dilate, their ears may go back, or start hissing or crying out.
• Try not to force your cat to be petted as they have limits just like we do. Cats tend to prefer short interactions that occur more often.
  • Let  your cat determine when they are done being petted as they can become  aroused if you pet them for too long.If it goes on too long, they will  often nip or claw at you to indicate they have had enough.
  • Try giving them space, providing their favorite toy, and having a  good play session if they are not up for receiving your affection at  that time.
• Pay attention to your cat’s cues. If your cat rubs  up against you or an object nearby, licks your arm or leg, or curls up  beside you, this is the time for a good petting session.
• Know where to pet. Most cats prefer to be petted on  the head and neck and may get upset when touched elsewhere. Most cats  prefer not to have their feet touched.
• Handle with care. When picking up your cat, please  make sure that they feel secure by supporting their back legs and  bottom. Also, try to keep your cat as close to your body as possible so  they are not dangling in the air. Please avoid holding them with a tight  grip and never lift your cat by their scruff as it may be painful for  them.